Bengal Cats & Bengal Cat Breeders
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Bengal cats are highly intelligent, active and talkative. Their prey instinct is high, and smaller family pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs need to be protected. They get on well with cat friendly dogs and larger animals but should be introduced to them slowly, and in a controlled environment.
Overall their temperament is excellent, however male Bengals mature early and need to be desexed prior to sale to make sure they do not become aggressive and too hard to handle. Bengals will usually live indoors with a secure outdoor enclosure to stretch their legs, exercise, and get fresh air. An enclosure is important as a bengal will hunt wildlife.
Ideal Owner for the Bengal Cat
Bengals are recommended for a more experienced cat owner with adequate housing space. The owner needs to be very patient and understanding and able to deal with their active and demanding personalities. They will get out of the way of toddlers and enjoy being with school aged children who treat them with respect.
Space and Exercise for the Bengal Cat
Bengals are very active, intelligent and playful. If they get bored, they have the potential to adopt some bad habits that can be destructive. Like all cats they need climbing equipment, and puzzles that will test their “brain power”. They love to play games and will happily play a game of fetch.
The Bengal needs a large enriched environment preferably with access to an enclosed out door area.
Potential Health Issues for the Bengal Cat
Always enquire about the general health and DNA testing history of the parents of the kitten you are buying. There are potential genetic problems in their ancestry that can sommetimes also appear in the Bengal. Not all problems have a clear cut DNA test available for them, but none-the-less good breeders do not breed from cats which show unsoundness that might be hereditry.
The following diseases have been seen in the breed:
- Distal neuropathy, a nervous system disorder that causes weakness. It can occur in Bengals as early as 1 year of age. Fortunately, many cats recover without requiring treatment.
- Flat-chested kitten syndrome, a deformity that can range from mild to severe. Kittens who survive to adulthood usually show no signs once they reach maturity.
- Hip dysplasia, which in severe cases can cause lameness.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease that can be genetic in some breeds.
- Patellar luxation, a genetic condition that may cause dislocation of the kneecap with cases ranging from mild to severe. Severe cases can be alleviated with surgery.
- Progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye disease.
Bengal Cat FAQs
Are Bengal cats good for families?
Bengal cats are very intelligent and active. They are best suited to active families with older children. Not suited for a family who does not have experience with owning cats or limited space.
Are Bengal cats legal in Australia?
Yes you can have Bengal cats in Australia. All of them are at least 4th Generation. Special authorisation is required to import Bengals into Australia.
What age do Bengal cats live to?
The life expectancy is 12 to 16 years.
How much do Bengal cats cost?
The price range is $350 for an adopted Bengal to $2500 for a registered show cat.
How big do Bengals get?
Weight: Males weigh on average between 4.5-6.8kg and females 3.6-5.4kg
Thanks to Okelani Bengals & Ashmiyah Bengals for the gorgeous photos
Check our listings for Kittens for sale here and click on the links to our breeders below to go to their profile page. You can also click here to search for Registered Bengal Breeders by location.
If you are a small scale registered breeder and would like to be listed here, just contact us or follow a few simple steps to add your details yourself.
We welcome helpful comments and contributions to information about this breed by email or below...
Registered Bengal Breeders
Established in 2009. Ashmiyah Bengal Cats is based in Adelaide, South Australia. We are ... read more
We breed for health, happiness, temperament and ... read more
I ... read more
The kittens come vaccinated, ... read more
Tamsin Bickerton
Catamount and Blakmagik Bengals read more
I am a registered health testing breeder of Bengal cats with 19 years of experience. My babies are born and ... read more
6 weeks free ... read more
* WE HAVE KITTENS AVAILABLE *
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Our ... read more
There’s no better feeling ... read more
We are ... read more
Raised ... read more